SGA applications available online

Students interested in representing their peers as part of the 84th Student Government Association (SGA) next year must turn in their candidate application by March 16 at 5 p.m. There are 57 representative positions available in the Undergraduate House of Representatives (UHR) as well as executive vice president and undergraduate student body president up for grabs, but the only way to be considered for any one of those positions is to fill out an application.

Alison Graab, undergraduate student body president, said she encourages each and every student to run for a SGA position and to promote the opportunity to friends. "The best way you can impact the future Student Government is to run for an office today. It is important to keep in mind that every office in SGA, from the President to the Freshman Representative, is an important one," Graab said.

Candidate applications are due in the SGA office, across from Einstein's Bagels, on Friday, March 16 at 5 p.m., and can be found on the SGA website at sga.gatech.edu.

The UHR meets every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in room 117 of the Student Services building during the fall and spring terms. All students are welcome to attend, but only representatives may vote.

"SGA works all year to represent the student voice whether it is hosting the GT Night at Six Flags or bringing Maya Angelou to campus for Finding Common Ground. The greatest strength of SGA is our ability to truly debate the issues that matter to everyone using input from many sectors of campus. Only then can we truly represent your voice," Graab said.

UHR's elections committee oversees the entire elections process. "Elections are a good way for students to get involved and find out what is going on around campus. It is a good time for people to hear from who is going to be their leaders and find out how they plan to make things better," said Will Welch, a fourth-year International Affairs major and this year's elections committee chair.

The elections code, which contains all of the rules governing this year's elections, is included in the Elections Packet, available on the SGA website. The elections committee will hear any violations cases filed against candidates and ensure that the elections process runs smoothly. Campaigning begins March 26 and ends April 11. Students can vote online once elections open April 9 until they close April 11 at 4 p.m. Graab said it is important for all students to be involved in the elections process, whether they run or not.

"Tech is fortunate to have exceptional students with innovative ideas. If you are passionate about Tech, care about the students around you, and want to make a difference with your time at Tech, run for office in SGA. If you choose not to run for office, make the most of your vote, by being educated about the candidates running and their strengths," Graab said.

In addition to the elected positions there are many other options available to students after the elections who still want to be in SGA. Students can apply to be committee chairs, an appointed Vice President, run for member at large in the fall, serve on a committee or apply to be on the Undergraduate Judiciary Cabinet.